Man vs. Wild Boots?

[andrew7978]

Not to steal the thread, but it seems the original poster is interested in buying bear's boot which we can all agree are probably merrils. I have a pair of them and I love them because they are so comfortable however they do not breathe that well. My feet always end up hot and sweaty after a hike.

 

[K Williams]

These are my favorite boots.

http://www.ironworkergear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1010

...but the Merrills look real good too.

 

[mckrob]

I've owned two pairs of Merrells (al leather) that and they are by far the worst boots I've ever owned. My sister worked at an outfitters and got me two pairs at cost. The first pair fell apart after about two weeks of working in them, a real let-down, the second pair sits in storage as I refuse to wear them. I work in hiking boots every day, and they actually get hiked in every day. I will never buy another pair of Merrells or recommend them to anyone.

If you want high quality boots that will last a long time, go for the classic heavy Italian or Swiss hiking boot such as Zamberlan, Raichle, or Asolo, all leather inner and outer (no goretex, no fabric, and no stitching except on welt and heel). They have the best ankle support by far. Zamberlan's are my favorite. Combine them with a good pair of gators like OR Crocs, and you've got boots that will be just as at home in the jungle as in the arctic.

http://www.zamberlan.com

older Zamberlans (Noweigan welt) with gators working in Greenland:

newer Zamberlans without gators working in Peru:

 

[wingnut77]

I believe his shoes are Merrell Chameleon Stretch XCR. I have the non-Stretch version and love them. They work well for my narrow feet with high arches. As for which type, I prefer the mid-ankle version as opposed to low or high top versions, but that's just a personal preference.

 

[madborderman07]

I have not seen this guys show in over a year due to the fact I am in Iraq. When I did se the show I was always frustrated of seeing this guy do crazy things saying they were survival skills. Mostly I saw him run around and climb mountains or fall in frozen lakes. Anyhow he did show a couple of neat little tricks. I just wish he would express the need not to run not to panic, you know the real things. I personally enjoy the survivorman, any thoughts on him?

 

[ROCK6]

I have not seen this guys show in over a year due to the fact I am in Iraq. When I did se the show I was always frustrated of seeing this guy do crazy things saying they were survival skills. Mostly I saw him run around and climb mountains or fall in frozen lakes. Anyhow he did show a couple of neat little tricks. I just wish he would express the need not to run not to panic, you know the real things. I personally enjoy the survivorman, any thoughts on him?

Hey madborderman, I just returned from my 15-month tour...hope you stay safe! If you ever get access to AFN, Man vs. Wild and Survivorman are both on Sunday afternoon. I do agree that Survivorman is more enjoyable from a more realistic perspective, but I do enjoy Bear's enthusiasm and the locations he picks. Even my 8-year old son points out all the dumb risks he takes. I often wonder if his running-survival show is more of a product from his training in E&E and SERE...where getting from point A to B as fast and stealthfully as possible is the goal. Add the flare of his attitude and dare-devil stunts, and he has a pretty captivating (if not dangerous) show. If put into perspective and not taken as an "educational" show but more for entertainment, I enjoy some of his shows. They just had a Man verse Wild marathon the day after Thanksgiving...there were a few gold nuggets if you can ignore all the urine and elephant crap drinking moments. My wife thinks Bear appeals more to the women than Les...she was waiting for him to get naked every episode...and (according to her), Bear looks better than Les when nude My wife even prefers Survivorman, but I still enjoy both shows.

At least I can now watch the new Survivorman episodes...

ROCK6

 

[longbow50]

We all know how to use footwear, and no there aren't any cheap alternatives. Sure you can buy something that will do ok short term under so so stress but its not a bet your life piece of gear.
If your feet pack up you are finished no matter how many survival forums you visit or how sexy your kit is.

Footwear, you DO in fact get what you pay for (agreed), spend the money for the correct fit. Brands are only a guideline no 2 feet fit the same.

Skam

+1 Skam...........

Paying for the right fit, instead of the name, is the only way to go. I tried on 20 boots from Merrel, Montrail, Vasque, Danner and a host of others and the only boot that gave me enough toebox and a good fitting heel cup, along with a steel shank for support, was by Vasque.